Soto: Six ways to make the holidays as stress-free as possible for pets

Tiana Soto

Submitted photo

The holiday season has officially arrived, and while this time of year is typically filled with joy, long-overdue gatherings and festive traditions, the added pressure and activity can create extra stress for the entire family — including pets.

Whether it’s an influx of unfamiliar faces in the house, heightened noise, travel plans or changes in routine, the holidays can be equally, if not more, stressful for our beloved fur babies. Pets thrive on routine and rely on predictability to feel secure, so these changes can create anxiety, fear and trigger stress-related behaviors like hiding, barking or meowing, or pacing. 

As responsible owners, it’s up to us to make sure our pets feel comfortable and secure. Here are six simple ways to do just that. 

1. Create a safe, comfy space

Set up a quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Make it cozy with their favorite things! Include their bed, toys and perhaps some background music (a little soothing holiday jazz is always nice) or white noise to help block out other sounds.

Try to limit the loud noises and consider calming tools like ThunderShirts or pet-safe CBD treats to help reduce their noise anxiety. 

2. Go slow with new people

Do your pet a favor and give them some extra time to adjust to new faces. Let them go at their own pace and proactively inform your guests about how to best approach your pet.

Don’t force interaction, especially if your animals are shy or anxious.  

3. Stick to their routine, no matter what

We get it. Staying on routine when there is so much happening is hard, but pet owners should try to stick to pets’ regular feeding, exercise and sleep schedules. Set reminders if needed, and remember that providing them with a sense of normalcy is in your best interest! 

4. Make mindful travel arrangements

Before leaving town for the holidays, make sure you have a trusted pet-sitter or boarding facility. Meaning, your pet has met the person watching them before, or they have already been to the facility and are comfortable.

If your pet is traveling with you, do everything you can to make them comfortable. Take their bed, toys, favorite treats and anything they love that reminds them of home.

If you’re traveling by car, do some “practice runs” to help desensitize them to the process. Consider using ThunderShirts or over-the-counter calming aids if they’re still especially anxious. 

5. Keep tabs on the holiday treats

Stress and safety go hand in hand! Steer clear of common holiday foods that can be harmful to pets, like chocolate (especially dark), grapes, raisins, onions, leeks, chives, macadamia nuts, walnuts and certain spices like nutmeg and black pepper.

Instead, give pet-friendly treats like Kongs filled with pet-safe ingredients (we know many dogs love peanut butter), so they feel like they’re celebrating with you.

6. Make your fur baby a part of the fun

How could your pet possibly be stressed if they’re having fun, too? Consider taking them on a holiday-themed walk, give them a new toy (or many) or make a pet stocking just for them filled with treats and small toys.  

As you immerse yourselves in the beauty of the holiday season, keep in mind that a relaxed, happy pet is a true gift for everyone. By ensuring your best furry friend enjoys the holidays as much as you do, you’re adding to the spirit of togetherness that makes this time of year so special.

 Editor’s note: Tiana Soto is marketing and content creation manager for Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, a Tempe-based no-kill nonprofit shelter founded in 2008 in response to thousands of pets in need as a result of the economic downturn and foreclosure crisis. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.